Aaron Rodgers has the physical attributes, intelligence, and drive to be one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. Looking at what he can do on the field, someone who has never watched a football game would think he was a top ten quarterback of all time. He’s simply not, and by no fault of his own.* It’s time for Aaron Rodgers to get the fuck out of Green Bay.
*Okay, his family doesn’t have him in their top ten, and that’s his own fault, but that’s not play related.
Why He Isn’t Top Ten
Any Packers fan reading this, I am sorry, but he’s just not. Yes, he holds the records for highest passer rating in a season (2011 with 122.5) and the lowest INT% in a season and a career ever (0.3% in 2018 and 1.4% on his career). He has a lot of records actually, but so do a lot of guys. He doesn’t have the most MVPs, he doesn’t have the most rings, or the most Super Bowl MVPs.
Before Patrick Mahomes came into the league, Aaron Rodgers was maybe the most physically gifted passer in NFL history. You could make the argument for most physically gifted in general, but then that gets into the argument of Michael Vick and Lamar Jackson, who play(ed) much different games. I could go more in depth about this, but that’s another blog for another day.
Why It’s Not Aaron Rodgers’s Fault
The Green Bay Packers, frankly, don’t care about Aaron Rodgers. You know that person you dated where you fell out of love with them before the relationship actually ended? Yeah, that’s how Green Bay feels about Aaron. How do I know this? I have eyes.
If Green Bay wanted Rodgers to succeed, they would have drafted him some damn weapons. The last three receivers they’ve taken in the first three rounds were Davante Adams (2014), Randall Cobb (2011), and Jordy Nelson (2008). And all of those guys were second rounders.
Let’s look at some first round picks. Two in particular. In 2013, Green Bay drafted Datone Jones, defensive tackle out of UCLA, with the 26th pick. He played three years for the Packers, and has bounced around the league since. You know who was picked at 27? Oh, just this guy.
Imagine if Aaron Rodgers, the Hail Mary King, had DeAndre Hopkins. He’d have at least two more rings. They also took Eddie “Cheeseburger” Lacy two picks before Travis Kelce, but Lacy was a Pro Bowler so I won’t knock them too much.
More recently, the Packers decided to draft Rashan Gary (12th overall) and Darnell Savage (21st overall) in the first round. In a draft featuring Hollywood Brown, Mecole Hardman, AJ Brown, and DK Metcalf, they took an OLB and a FS. I’m not going to knock the Elgton Jenkins over DK pick, he’s a stud.
2020 NFL Draft
This one’s the most egregious. Yes, the top three receivers were off the board by the 26th pick. There weren’t really any decent receivers around the 62nd pick. However, you have the 26th pick, and you’re going to take Aaron’s replacement after not giving him any help previously? Draft Tee Higgins, who was the 33rd pick! And he’s playing well in football purgatory (aka Cincinnati). Ohhh you signed Devin Funchess, congrats! I’m sure he’s tearing it up in Gree… oh wait, he opted out.
My Plea to Aaron Rodgers: Please Leave Green Bay
Green Bay doesn’t deserve you Aaron. Please, go somewhere that will give you weapons, or at least one top five receiver. And no, I don’t want him in New England, they also don’t draft receivers. However, I do have somewhere in mind that would appreciate you, and love you the way Green Bay and Danica never could.
Chicago has some good weapons and will probably draft another QB bust, go to the Windy City. Ignore the people of Green Bay burning the city down when you go to a division rival. Brett Favre did it (after a pit stop in AFC East). They have receivers, a running back, and a great defense. Win two rings in your last couple seasons, and you will be in everyone’s top ten.
Also, just for fun: Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Joe Montana, Johnny Unitas, Dan Marino, Drew Brees, Sammy Baugh, Otto Graham, Roger Staubach, and Brett Favre. Roughly in that order.
Please Aaron, go to Chicago after 2022. Packers fans, go yell at me on Twitter (@BellyUpKev), and buy a shirt while you’re at it, before he leaves.
Is #GoPackGo quarterback Aaron Rodgers going to add another MVP award to his trophy case? Buy a shirt and show everyone who has your vote in the MVP race!#NFLTwitter #NFCNorthhttps://t.co/rVFWPiD9zu
— Belly Up Sports (@BellyUpSports) November 23, 2020
